Robert Towne, Legendary Screenwriter & Oscar-Winner For ‘Chinatown,’ Dies at 89

Robert Towne, the esteemed screenwriter who won an Academy Award for “Chinatown” and contributed to defining the cinematic landscape of Los Angeles, has passed away at the age of 89. He died at his Los Angeles home surrounded by family, although his publicist Carri McClure did not disclose the cause of death.

Towne was renowned for his influential collaborations with Hollywood icons like Warren Beatty and Jack Nicholson, scripting or co-scripting some of the era’s most iconic films. His films often reflected a deeply personal vision of Los Angeles, a city he described as both illusory and a place of shattered dreams.

Recognizable for his distinctive appearance, Towne earned an Oscar for “Chinatown” and received multiple nominations throughout his career. He was celebrated for his incisive and original approach to storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Writers Guild of America in 1997.

Towne’s career was shaped by early work in television and low-budget films before gaining prominence with significant contributions to films like “Bonnie and Clyde,” “The Last Detail,” and “Shampoo.” His script for “Chinatown,” directed by Roman Polanski and starring Jack Nicholson, remains a classic of American cinema, embodying the dark and complex allure of Los Angeles through a timeless detective narrative.

Towne’s legacy extends beyond “Chinatown,” encompassing a body of work that shaped Hollywood and continues to influence filmmakers today. His contributions to film noir and storytelling technique have secured his place as one of the most revered screenwriters in cinematic history.